[15strangers] [Private Conversation] [Week 1, Day 1] [Minato]

[katzenpfote]

[Caleb leads the other back towards his room, opening the door for him and ushering him inside. Hopefully no one else saw that, or they might be suspicious. He lets out a long breath.]

... I suppose we should clear some things up...

Comments

[katzenpfote]

Minato. Minato.

[He doesn't know what to do, he's awful at comforting people, but he reaches out and puts a firm hand on the boy's shoulder, trying to calm him.]

[biddentodance]

[Physical contact helps. It immediately drags him back out of his thoughts, helps ground him. Mostly for how alien and unexpected it is. He's silent for a minute while his breathing evens out.]

....Sorry.... Shouldn't burden you with all this. Not your problem.

[katzenpfote]

I should be the one saying that to you...

... Do you want to go lie down?

[biddentodance]

Sounds... [It sounds like he's going for 'nice', but he stops himself.] ...no. Can't. Will fall asleep if I do.

[katzenpfote]

... I can sit outside your door if you would like so no one disturbs you.

[biddentodance]

....Can't sleep. Not yet.

[He....has to know if the Dark Hour is a thing here or not. And there's only one way to find out.]

[katzenpfote]

... Bad dreams?

[biddentodance]

[Headshake.] Phenomenon...need to know if it's happening here or not. Happens at midnight, but time zones. No idea where we are, so...have to stay awake for a full day.

[katzenpfote]

... It is not yet close to midnight, I think. I can stick near you if you would like.

[biddentodance]

Midnight isn't the same everywhere.

...Don't have to stick with me, if you don't want to.

[katzenpfote]

... I know. But I am a bit worried about you, to b... be honest.

[biddentodance]

You are?

[He's surprised - even a little stunned. This isn't something that happens. Especially with adults. He isn't entirely sure he believes it.

But part of him very much wants to.]

[katzenpfote]

... Ja. Ja, I am. You are... I just... am.

[He doesn't need to explain himself, does he?]

[biddentodance]

...

[He won't ask for an explanation. Just smile slightly, softly, genuinely. Part of him still doesn't quite trust this, and he knows at this point hope is a lie.

But he accepts it.]

Alright... Sorry, again, for all of that.

[katzenpfote]

Literally none of this was your fault.

[biddentodance]

....just.....feels like I should.

[For being troublesome, or causing worry. He's responsible for his actions. That doesn't get put on pause just because something so unexpected happened.]

[katzenpfote]

It’s fine. I’ve caused worse attacks to myself in the course of battle.